In Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, a constant dynamic is established between those who control society and those who actually contribute to its existence.  A theme of oppression becomes clearly evident, posing the possibility for dissent and rebellion within the society of Panem.  The characters used in the plot serve as symbols to this grueling process and its development throughout the book and continuing series.  By looking at the first meeting between Katniss and her stylist Cinna, we can see Katniss's faults and social shortcomings in her judgments of those around her, which many readers often fail to consider.  This is important because it demonstrates that despite Katniss's pre-conceived expectations, not all citizens of the Capitol are alike.  Within an oppressed society, individuality must exist for any wave of change to occur, and in this passage from The Hunger Games, Katniss and Cinna represent that individuality which could potentially challenge the oppressive nation of Panem.
	
When Cinna first approaches the complex Katniss, she is initially surprised by his refined beauty and simplistic style, which is so uncharacteristic of typical capitol citizens.  Katniss has shown herself to not always be the most socially aware character and her encounter with Cinna reinforces this hypothesis.  We as readers may notice an immediate tone in her during this encounter as she wearily attempts to understand his behavior.  While Katniss carefully analyzes her stylist she is reacting in a way stereotypical of an oppressed person.  She is weary, fearful, and even possibly intimidated of this man, not because he has personally assaulted her in any way, but merely because he is one of "them".  Upon their first meeting, Cinna represents to Katniss the Capitol, which in turn represents control and oppression.  Cinna, however, immediately begins to contradict the image of a Capitol citizen by showing Katniss extreme kindness.   As he compliments her hairstyle, we see a repetition of Katniss's social awkwardness.  She is unsure of how to respond to such honest kindness in part because she does not view herself as valuable or understand the effect she has on those around her.
	
After learning that this is Cinna's first year as a stylist in the Hunger Games she immediately pounces on what she believes to be the obvious by asking, "So they gave you District Twelve"(64).  This simple interrogation provides key insight into not only Katniss's low view of herself, but her lack of enthusiasm concerning her native district as well.  The belief that District Twelve is of less value than other districts is an opinion that has been given precedent by the Capitol with its sheer indifference towards the poverty and starvation that constantly occurs there.  The most significant surprise come when Cinna unexpectedly responds to the question by stating the contrary; "I asked for District twelve"(64).  This statement is a direct contradiction to Katniss's previous thoughts and judgments of Cinna and his intentions in the games.  He is not participating to bring glory to his own name and career but rather to actually do something kind and good for a district that is rarely the recipient of some decencies.  In this section of the passage a certain conclusion can be made about Cinna.  Though his intentions are not entirely clear at this moment in the plot, he is clearly a man of the little people.  For some reason he possesses admiration for a lowly girl rom District Twelve and what she represents.  Cinna is probably the first character thus far to place any true level of confidence in Katniss or to act as a friend towards her.  Though inciting rebellion may not be any intention belonging to Cinna, he is clearly distinct in comparison to other Capitol people and the cruel oppression they represent.  He is more involved in the actual happenings of the Games instead of viewing it on the television like some sporting event.  
	
In the next section of the passage a large amount of internal thoughts come forth from Katniss; primarily concerning the meal in front of her.  At first glance this may seem of little significance, however in this passage Katniss compares the meal and its ingredients to what she could possibly conjure up for a meal at home.  She thinks out the entire vigorous process that it would require for a poor girl like her to even begin to assemble something that compares to the fine meal laid before her.  This presents a major contrast between the people of the Capitol and those of the poorer districts of Panem.  In the Capitol, everything is done for entertainment and pleasure.  This is a very different mindset from the people of the outer districts who struggle on a daily basis to work enough to put a meager amount of food on their tables.  Here again, the theme of oppression is clearly present.  Cinna once again seems to understand Katniss on a deeper level by saying, "How despicable we must seem to you"(65).  The importance of this dialogue is great because it signifies that Cinna recognizes that something is wrong with the lifestyle he knows.  While most of the Capitol citizens remain oblivious to the continuing oppression and their role in its execution, Cinna knows and understands to some extent the larger picture.  Katniss does not respond verbally but instead thinks to herself,  "He's right though. The whole rotten lot of them is despicable"(65).  The entire Capitol is lumped together into an oppressive group in the minds of potentially rebellious districts; demonstrating the struggle between the oppressor, versus the oppressed.  It is Cinna's individuality and recognition of this horror that reveals a crack in the fortress of Panem, foreshadowing the trying struggle to come.

Katniss and Cinna are unique symbolic characters that are not only valuable to this particular passage, but The Hunger Games series as a whole.  Katniss, despite her personal challenges and troubled social skills, is a strong figure that is beginning to recognize that she plays a role in this changing society.  Cinna offers the insight she needs by providing her with a solid start in her journey and understanding the evils of the land that they inhabit together.  The oppression that occurs in Panem prior to the games is key to the shifting mentality of its citizens and the slow, but imminent rebellion that will ensue.

